Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Quinn and other speakers for their contributions on this matter. The very purpose of the Bill is to speed up the process of valuation and revaluation in order that retailers, suppliers, owners, occupiers and others who find themselves in a premises with an unfair valuation know that the premises will be revalued quicker than is currently the case. This general principle runs through the legislation.

I am informed that section 27 of the Valuation Act 2001 provides for ratepayers to seek a review. I am interested in hearing Senators' views on this matter, which we may be able to discuss on Report Stage. As Senator Quinn graciously acknowledged, my amendment goes further in the sense that it provides for greater flexibility and discretion to persons who are carrying out a valuation. It allows them to show common sense, whereas under the current legislation they must adhere rigidly to various rules and formulae without being able to apply judgment. While such flexibility is shown to some degree at present, we have not reflected in legislation the need to allow valuers to apply judgment and show common sense.

That is what I am trying to achieve with this amendment.

The Senator's example of a petrol station that is bypassed is one I used the last day we discussed the Bill. It is a classic example. Amendment No. 45 which I introduced on the last occasion is a new provision which equips the commissioner with additional authority to address anomalies on the valuation list, pending revaluation of the rating authority area. Rather than a petrol station that was busy and all of a sudden is bypassed having to wait for the next round of revaluations, under the Bill, the commissioner will have the authority to address serious anomalies such as this. The petrol station that is bypassed might be the most pertinent example. I am willing to listen to Senators' viewpoints and would welcome their thoughts on this matter on Report Stage. These are the four measures we have taken to try to improve the position.